Sinn Fein's Imelda Munster has called on the government to outline a "proper" social and affordable housing programme and introduce rent controls.

The Louth and East Meath TD spoke out against Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy.

She said: "After seven and a half years in government we're still given the same spiel every time, despite the fact that it's deliberate government policy not to roll out a proper state-funded social and affordable housing building programme.

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"Instead of tackling the crisis Minister Murphy is focusing his energy on instructing local authorities to remove people from the official homeless figures. This shows where his priorities lie."

Deputy Munster added: "The lack of a proper social and affordable housing programme is a key issue in this crisis, and as long as this remains the case, rents will continue to soar.

"It's time the reality dawned on Minister Murphy that his response isn't working."

(CM)